Obituary of Gertrude Mary Lavers

Gertrude  Mary Lavers (nee White)

March 26, 1925 - April 14, 2019

Port Saunders, NL 

"A mother's love is the place you come back to, no matter where you're headed”  Jodi Picoult

On April 14th, 2019 our family lost its matriarch.

We were blessed with a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was loving, kind and generous. She was full of grace and always a lady.

She fell ill unexpectedly on April 7th, and we spent her final days gathered around her bedside, sharing the gift of being with her, and caring for her at home, as she finished her journey with us.

She was born to Jack and Louise White in 1925, and grew up in a large extended family.  She loved to reminisce about those "good ole days" and share her wonderful memories of the work they did, the large family gatherings and the many rowdy card games played around their kitchen table.  We know how much her sister Onnie must miss her.

In 1948, she married the love of her life, George.  For more than 65 years they were blessed to share a marriage that showed us the value of love and commitment, as they wove a relationship that could stand the test of times that were wonderful, and the times that were a challenge. We love that we had the gift of her for so long, but we are happy that after 15 years she gets to spend this anniversary (April 28th) with Dad.

Family was so important!   She was never happier than when she was sharing time with her children and grandchildren. 

Whether parasailing with Wade, going for a ride on the back of his motorcycle with Murray (Gen), or looking forward to a ride with Jerry (Gale) in his airplane; she was always ready for a new adventure. Sharing stories and giving advice to her grandchildren Boyd (Nicole), Rosalie, Erika (Chris), George (Jessica), Sally (Jeff), and Tom was a favorite pastime. Special times with her great grandchildren (Brayden, Victoria, Georgia), cooking a family dinner with Mazie (Herb), or getting ready for their yearly trip in over the hills with family and friends; these were some of her happiest times.

She would have loved getting to know her great great grandchildren  Addison, Scarlet, Cassie, Ellie and Maddie better, and being able to spend more time with them.

Mom showed us the true value of family and friendship.   While her cherished circle of lifelong friends was growing smaller, she would speak lovingly of each of them as she told us stories of their many adventures together.   Joyce said they should have written a book!

So many people spoke to us of her generous and gentle nature.  At the retirement home, where she spent the winter months, residents would tell us of how she took time to share with each of them.  In another life, we often thought that she would have been a wonderful nurse.

However, we have to tell you that she had a slightly competitive side that would readily show itself in a game of cards! Just ask Lorraine, the treasure who made it possible for her to stay in her home for so long.  We also love to tell the story of how when she played scrabble on the computer, she changed her name to Mary because she was losing!

She was never afraid to get her hands dirty.  From maintaining her vegetable gardens well into her eighties, to working side by side with Dad to build their family business, she knew the value of hard work, honesty and commitment; values she was proud to instill in her children and grandchildren.

Mom spoke often of the cuddle bed on Palliative Care, and how it made such a difference to loved ones sharing those final days together.   She would love for any donations made in her honor to go to the Western Regional Hospital Foundation to help in purchasing another bed for the unit, so that more families can share in the comfort it gives. She would also appreciate donations made to support the church she belonged to for a lifetime, St. Joseph's Church in Port Saunders.

When you live to be 94 years old, many of the people you love have already gone before you.  She will be welcomed by so many family and friends, but right at the front of the line will be Dad (2014), waiting for his Gokie, Wade (2000), and Herb (February 14th).  What a circle of love!

Rest easy Mom, you have reached your Safe Haven.